Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS) is celebrating its strongest HSC results to date, reflecting a strong culture of academia, sustained academic improvement, and a long-term commitment to high expectations where students are supported to achieve their personal best and fulfil their potential.
In the Sydney Morning Herald school rankings, SMGS has recorded a rise of 25 places from the 2024 result, now ranked 153rd in the state again consolidating in the Top 20% of all schools undertaking the HSC for another year and demonstrating these are not one-off results.
“These results reflect a culture that has been deliberately built over time,” said Paul Horvath, Head of Teaching and Learning.
“Our focus has been on high-quality teaching, strong academic foundations and ensuring every student is known, supported and challenged to achieve their personal best.”
Dr Darryl Nelson, Director of Curriculum and Academic Operations, said the results demonstrate the impact of long-term, strategic curriculum development.
“This level of improvement does not happen overnight. It is the result of consistent investment in teaching practice, curriculum coherence, subject choice and a shared commitment to academic excellence across the School.”
Dr Andrew Bell, Principal of Snowy Mountains Grammar School, said the results reflect the strength of the School’s community and shared purpose.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and the way they have embraced challenge, opportunity and growth. These outcomes are not just about excellent results but about young people developing confidence, capability and a love of learning that will serve them well beyond school.”
Record Band 6 Results
The 2025 HSC cohort achieved a record number of Band 6 results for SMGS, demonstrating both depth and breadth of academic achievement:
- 40% of students received at least one Band 6 result (29 Band 6 results)
- 82% of students achieved results in the Top 2 Bands
- 70% of 2-unit subjects studied achieved Band 6 results
- Top-performing school in the Snowy Monaro Region
- Top-performing school in the Riverina Region
Importantly, Band 6 results were achieved across a diverse range of subjects, including traditional academic courses sucah as Mathematics Advanced and Chemistry as well as creative, technical and applied disciplines such as Design and Technology, Music 1 and Visual Arts.
“We are particularly proud of the breadth of these results,” Mr Horvath said.
“They show that academic excellence can be achieved across science, humanities and creative pathways when students are given the right support and opportunities.”
Innovation and Creative Excellence Recognised at State-Wide Level
In 2025, two thirds of the Design & Technology class was nominated for consideration of the prestigious SHAPE Showcase, which recognises outstanding HSC major works in creative and design learning across NSW. One student was later selected to exhibit their works across the State.
“These accomplishments sit alongside the many quieter successes that occur every day in classrooms, studios, workshops and outdoor learning environments,” Mr Horvath said.
“Not every success makes headlines, but together they reflect a deeply embedded culture of learning.”
Future Pathways and Post-School Outcomes
Strong academic outcomes at Snowy Mountains Grammar School are matched by a clear focus on future pathways, with graduates supported to pursue a wide range of post-school options aligned to their strengths, interests and aspirations.
In 2025, 81% of students applied for university, with many receiving early entry offers across a broad range of courses. In addition, 4% of students are applying for TAFE, 4% are pursuing apprenticeships, and 11% have chosen alternative pathways, reflecting the School’s commitment to valuing diverse definitions of success.
Members of the cohort are progressing into fields including applied and pure sciences, engineering, biotechnology, computer science and aviation, alongside arts, law, education, communications, politics, philosophy and economics. Pathways also extend into specialist and emerging areas such as marine biology, paramedicine, product design, wildlife conservation, visual arts and visual communication.
This breadth of post-school destinations reflects the School’s commitment to personalised subject selection, strong academic and careers counselling, and preparing students for meaningful futures beyond the HSC.
Regional Excellence with State-Wide Impact
As a regional school, Snowy Mountains Grammar School continues to demonstrate that students in the Snowy Mountains can access high-quality education, strong academic pathways and unique opportunities that rival metropolitan schools, all within a close-knit and supportive community.
“Our goal is not just strong HSC results, but ensuring students leave us well prepared for the pathways ahead,” Mr Horvath said.
“These outcomes demonstrate that students can pursue highly academic, creative and applied futures when they are supported to make informed and confident choices.”
Head of Year 12, Ms Emma Smith celebrating with students at Farewell Chapel
A Cohort United by Connection and Purpose
Alongside strong academic outcomes, the Class of 2025 was marked by a deep sense of connection, shared purpose and collective commitment to growth. Throughout the year, students supported one another through challenges, celebrated each other’s successes and worked towards common goals, creating a positive and respectful cohort culture.
Emma Smith, Head of Year, said the year group was united in working together which shaped their approach learning and life.
“For this cohort, that meant showing kindness, supporting one another and taking responsibility for the culture they wanted to create. That shared mindset was evident not only in their relationships, but in the way they approached their learning and future goals.”
A Strong End to an Outstanding Year
It has also been a fantastic way to close out the school year more broadly. In 2025, Snowy Mountains Grammar School secured four national championships across Snowsports and Mountain Biking, and our Senior Debate Team was crowned National Virtual Debating Champions, highlighting the depth of achievement across academic, sporting and co-curricular programs.